Universal Audio is proud to announce Apollo, a high-resolution audio interface that combines UA’s analog design heritage with esteemed UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a sleek, elegant recording system. With Apollo, music producers and performers can finally track through UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time, via a professional 18 x 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready audio interface that delivers class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz sound quality.

“Apollo is the culmination of 10 years of analog and digital audio development here at UA,” said Bill Putnam Jr., Universal Audio founder. “In many ways, it’s brought the analog and digital sides of our company together. With Apollo, we’re delivering the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording with all the conveniences of modern digital equipment, including next-generation Thunderbolt technology.”

Apollo is, first and foremost, a well-built, high-resolution audio interface, featuring premium mic preamps and top-end converters to deliver the lowest THD and highest dynamic range in its class. Its Core Audio drivers ensure compatibility with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, Live, and more. Moreover, Apollo’s Console application and companion Console Recall plug-in (VST/AU/RTAS) provide control and recall of all interface and UAD plug-in settings within individual DAW sessions, even months and years later.

Apollo differentiates itself from all other audio interfaces, however, via its onboard UAD-2 DSP Acceleration. This onboard processing allows for recording through UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins — with nearly instant sub-2ms latency — so that music producers can quickly monitor, audition, and “print” audio using a wide range of popular analog emulation plug-ins from Ampex, Lexicon, Manley, Neve, Roland, SSL, Studer, and more (sold separately). In this way, Apollo’s sonic character and tonal options are virtually limitless. The onboard UAD-2 processors are also available for mixing and mastering, offloading processing from the host computer.

Notably, Apollo offers compatibility with Intel’s new Thunderbolt technology, as found on the newest iMacs, MacBook Pros, and MacBook Airs. Available via a user-installable Thunderbolt Option Card, Thunderbolt provides lower latency, reduced audio buffer size, improved performance at high sample rates, and greater UAD plug-in instances versus FireWire.

“Thunderbolt technology makes possible a whole new class of products to enhance music production workflows and creativity,” says Jason Ziller, Director of Marketing and Planning for Thunderbolt technology at Intel Corporation. “Products like Universal Audio’s Apollo are using Thunderbolt to rock music producers’ worlds.”

Apollo incorporates numerous design hallmarks from classic UA analog gear, including its fast, easy workflow. Dedicated front-panel controls are present for all the most common features, including preamp gain, channel selection, mic pad, +48V phantom power, low cut, monitor level, and dual headphone controls.

Apollo’s connectivity includes 4 digitally controlled analog mic preamps, 8 balanced line inputs and outputs, dual front-panel JFET DIs, digitally-controlled analog monitor outputs, 8 channels of ADAT, 2 channels of S/PDIF, word clock I/O, FireWire 800 (standard), and a Thunderbolt expansion bay — making it a well-equipped centerpiece for the modern project studio.

On the Mac, Apollo requires OS X 10.6 or later, an Intel processor, an available FireWire or Thunderbolt port and a compatible AU, VST or RTAS host application.

The Apollo High-Resolution Audio Interface will be available in both DUO CORE and QUAD CORE processing formats (with either two or four Analog Devices SHARC processors, respectively). Apollo will be shipping in the first quarter of 2012, with an estimated street price of $1,999 (DUO processing model) and $2,499 (QUAD processing model). Apollo’s Thunderbolt Option Card will be shipping in the first half of 2012, with an ESP of $499.

www.uaudio.com/apollo

ValhallaDSP has announced the release of ÜberMod, a unique mutltap delay and modulation plug-in. With up to 32 modulated delay taps, extensive diffusion and overdrive sections, and parallel slow and vibrato LFOs, ÜberMod can be used to create lush dimensional choruses, classic string ensembles, tape and BBD echoes, nonlinear and reverse reverbs, and a bunch of sounds that defy categorization.

Feature List:

• True stereo signal path, for maintaining the spatial image of stereo inputs
• Delay times that can be synced to tempo, to create modulated delays and nonlinear reverbs at specific beat rates
• Unique WIDTH control, that varies the spatial image from mono to stereo to “super-stereo”
• Separate parameters for the detune and vibrato oscillators, to have high level control of up to 32 independent LFOs
• OverMod control, to turn up modulation depth beyond the bounds of sanity
• A high level DEPTH parameter, for quick adjustments to the overall chorus modulation amount
• A large number of chorus tap modes (2/4/6/8/16/32 Taps, Dual Ensemble, 16Phase) for dialing in specific chorus, ensemble, and nonlinear reverb sounds
• Diffusion section (with adjustable amount, size, mod width and mod depth) for creating delays that smear over time, diffusion choruses, and modulated reverbs
• Drive section (with pregain, postgain, and noise gain) for emulating tape saturation & analog delays
• Taps menu, for adjusting the spacing, slope, left/right skew, and randomization of the output taps
• A simple yet powerful EQ section, for rolling off the high and low frequencies, and switching between bright and dark color modes
• SPEED control, to double the delay time and drop the pitch of the signal within the delay buffers
• All parameter changes are smoothed to avoid clicks, and to generate tape echo-esque effects — the smoothing time can be adjusted to create a variety of swishing, whooshing boing sounds
• Resizable GUI influenced by NASA Human Interface specifications & Swiss School of graphic design — “Minimalist GUI, Maximalist Sound.”
• High level controls have dedicated sliders, while the “tweakier” controls are selected via their own panels
• Cross platform/DAW preset mechanism, that allows presets to be easily exchanged with other ÜberMod users via text based copy and paste

ÜberMod is available in AU (32/64-bit), VST (32/64-bit) and RTAS plug-in formats, and may be purchased via direct download from ValhallaDSP for $50. A free trial version is also available.

http://www.valhalladsp.com/valhallaubermod

Sinevibes is happy to announce Strobe, a new AudioUnit effect plugin for rhythmic audio gating. Its core is a sequencer that runs in perfectly precise sync with your DAW and lets you mute individual notes and sounds in a looped fashion.

Thanks to variable timing, swing and gate shape Strobe can easily match the feel of any melodic or rhythmic part. It’s a simple yet versatile effect that is essential in all styles of music – and it has an incredibly fun-to-use interface.

Some of the Strobe applications are:

• Add rhythmic gate effects onto synth, bass and pad sounds.
• Create classic effects like tremolo and pumping.
• Apply beat slicing onto rhythmic parts.

Strobe is immediately available as a 32/64-bit AU plug-in for OS X Leopard, Snow Leopard or Lion.

It normally costs $19 but can be purchased with a 30% holiday discount until January 1. Audio examples, the user manual and demo version are all available via download.

http://www.sinevibes.com/strobe/

Audio Damage has released Filterstation, their software take on the classic serial/parallel/stereo dual filter topology, made famous (and some would say “indispensable”) by the Sherman Filterbank and its many clones. Filterstation comes in AU and VST plug-in flavors.

With twelve filter algorithms—including Audio Damage’s all-new MS20 lowpass and highpass emulations—an envelope follower, saturation, and an easy-to-use interface, Filterstation has everything you need to get your “noink” and Dubstep wub wub wub on!

Filterstation Features

• Twelve different filter algorithms, including two all-new MS20 emulations and classic 914 bandpass and Filterpod lowpass models
• VCA mode for tremolo and gate effects
• LFO with twelve different patterns, and both internal and tempo sync modes
• Envelope follower for dynamic control of filter frequency
• Serial, parallel, and true stereo operating modes
• Sidechain input for external signal to envelope follower (VST3 only)
• Easy-to use interface for quick programming

On the Mac, Filterstation requires OS X 10.5 or later, an Intel processor, and a compatible Audio Units (AU), VST 2.4 or VST 3.0 host application. All formats are available as both 32- and 64-bit binaries.

Filterstation is available now via direct download from Audio Damage for $49.

http://www.audiodamage.com/effects/product.php?pid=AD029

Slate Digital has released the VCC RC-Tube, an authentic emulation of a classic 1950′s all tube broadcast console. With two separate plug-ins intended to be placed on channel inserts or as the first insert on your master fader, this plugin package promises to recreate the sound of a vintage tube mixer, giving your mix a rich, fat, warm, and deep sound that until now, was unattainable with a 100% digital mixer.

Slate Digital CTO Fabrice Gabriel employed new state of the art analog modeling techniques to capture the sound of this classic tube mixer in the digital domain. Using the same techniques required to model the four analog consoles in the Virtual Console Collection plugin, Fabrice managed to emulate the exact sonic characteristics in a nonlinear and dynamic way, including such precise details as tube saturation response and crosstalk.

By using the VCC RC-Tube on your mixes, you’ll get the classic vibe of an analog desk. Your music will come together faster and easier, and the result will be the best sounding mixes that you’ve heard coming from “In The Box”.

RC-Tube consists of two plugins, Virtual Channel and Virtual Mixbuss. Virtual Channel is applied on individual mixing channels. Virtual Mixbuss goes on the first insert of the master fader. “When using the Virtual Console Collection, your DAW instantly takes on the personality of a real analog mixing desk. The imaging and depth improves, instruments sit better in the frequency spectrum, and mixing becomes easier and more musical. You can even push the DAW faders up to find each mixer’s “sweet spot”, says Slate.

On the Mac, the VCC RC-Tube requires an Intel processor, a compatible 32 or 64-bit AU, VST or RTAS host application (RTAS is 32-bit only) and an iLOK2 USB dongle.

For a very limited time, you can purchase the VCC RC-TUBE plugin package WITH an iLok2 protection device for $49 plus shipping and handling.

http://www.slatedigital.com/rc-tube.php

MOTU is now shipping MachFive 3, a major upgrade to their universal sampler for creative music production. Rebuilt from the ground up, version 3.0 includes a new user interface design, an extensive 45 GB sound library, seven signature instruments based on new scripting technology, a new hybrid synthesis engine, licensed algorithms from the IRCAM research institute, and many other new features and enhancements.

“With exciting new features and unified, cutting-edge technologies, MachFive 3 achieves our goal: to deliver an inspiring creative sampler and sound design tool for musicians, producers, engineers, DJs, remixers, and sound designers,” said Jim Cooper, MOTU Director of Marketing.

The MachFive 3 window displays a tabbed list on the left-hand side, main controls across the top, and a tabbed main area in the rest of the window for access to all other features. Sections can be resized, shown, or hidden as needed, to streamline operation for any task or workflow. MachFive’s window is designed to operate at various sizes, from a compact plug-in running inside host software to a full screen application taking full advantage of cinema-sized displays.

To load sounds into MachFive’s unlimited parts, a multi-column preset browser fills the MachFive window and remains open while loading multiple parts to save time. “Favorite” locations are listed along with hard drive volumes, frequently accessed folders, sound banks, and 3rd-party sampler disc images. Type a word or phrase into the new search field to instantly list all matching presets from all sound banks and libraries. Once sounds are loaded, users click any part to view basic settings in the Info tab, including a representative graphic of the sound currently loaded into the part, a virtual keyboard for playing the sound, several basic “macro” controls for tweaking the sound, and text hints for using the macro controls.

Most of MachFive’s thousands of factory-supplied presets provide macro controls for direct access to the sound’s most crucial and interesting parameters, from reverb time to filter cutoff frequency. This allows users to tweak sounds quickly, without having to dig through complicated screens full of controls. Some macros even adjust several parameters at once to completely transform the sound with a simple knob twist.

For deeper editing and sound design, additional tabs are available for the Oscillator Editor, Mapping Editor, Tree Editor, List Editor, Mixer view, Performance (multi) view, Effects Rack, Event Processor Rack, modulation settings panel, and other settings.

MachFive 3 includes 7 DVDs with 45 GB of multi-sampled instruments, synth patches, loops, phrases, sound design elements, and sound effects. The Universal Loops & Instruments sound bank is the most versatile, spanning a wide variety of acoustic and electric musical instruments, genres, eras, geographical regions, and cultural styles. The MachFive BiosphereTM sound bank provides hundreds of fresh, rich synth textures, including sweeping arpeggiations, enveloping atmospheres, soaring leads, anthem stacks, resonating pads and many other sounds developed by leading programmers. From car crashes to space storms, the 8 GB Xtreme FX bonus library developed by ultimatesoundbank.com provides 5000 creative sound effects, foley effects, and provocative sound textures that are ideal for music production and sound design alike.

All of these multi-sampled sounds can be used side by side — or even combined — with MachFive 3′s new synth engine, which produces twelve milestone forms of synthesis developed over the past 40 years, from classic additive and subtractive, to frequency modulation (FM), wavetable, and even granular synthesis. MachFive’s granular synthesizer has been licensed from the IRCAM institute in Paris and represents one of the most advanced, yet easy-to-use forms of this technology currently available. Users can load any sound and quickly transform it into completely new material. Further dynamic sound morphing can be be easily applied by simply automating or modulating granular synth controls such as speed, direction, density and grain size.

MachFive’s effects architecture has been redesigned to facilitate the use of effects processing both in sound design and in MachFive’s conventional mixer. 47 different effects, including convolution reverb, can be applied to sound design objects such as individual oscillators/keygroups, keygroup layers, and programs (presets), where they essentially become part of the sound itself. Alternately, effects can be applied throughout MachFive’s mixer as channel inserts, aux bus inserts, and even as master effects on the master fader, limited only by CPU resources.

MachFive 3 excels at audio time-stretching and pitch-shifting with algorithms licensed from the renowned IRCAM research institute. Audio material can be stretched as much as four to five times slower or faster with no noticeable or harmful artifacts, while maintaining stereo phase coherence and rhythmic accuracy. For example, a guitar pick can be heard slowly scraping across each string in the strum of a chord that has been slowed down to 25% of its original speed, with audio clarity akin to the vivid visual clarity of slow-motion high-definition video. Several modes are provided to produce optimum results for various types of audio material.

For professional sound designers with programming chops, MachFive provides a scripting engine to support custom scripted instruments written in MachFiveScriptTM, a straightforward programming API based on an industry-standard programming language (www.lua.org) used heavily in the gaming industry. Script processors perform advanced, customized transformations and analysis of MIDI data streams, as demonstrated by MachFive’s included signature instruments. For example, MachFive’s Telematic script, developed by acousticsamples.net, can generate authentic chord strumming.

Additional MachFive 3 Feature Highlights

• LoopLabTM — An advanced slice loop editor that supports REX, ACID, UFS, Apple Loops, and custom loops.
• Universal 3rd-party sample library support – Directly reads all major 3rd-party hardware/software sample formats and sample discs (Kontakt, Giga, EXS24, HALion, Kurzweil, Akai, Roland, Ensoniq, Sample Cell, and many others) with no conversion, for consolidated sound library management.
• Complete mixing – Graphic mixer with faders, FX inserts, and unlimited channels.
• New Xpander filter — Based on the venerable Oberheim Xpander, this new filter provides 37 modes, each a separate filter in its own right.
• IR VerbTM — A CPU-efficient convolution reverb processor that provides hundreds of presets for acoustic spaces, classic high-end studio reverbs, vintage plates and spring reverbs, plus eclectic impulse responses for sound design. Drag and drop your own IRs, and you can even edit IR waveforms directly.
• Drag and drop operation — Supports easy drag and drop importing of audio files, loops, and samples to and from the computer desktop or a host software application.
• Multi-sample import — Drag and drop multiple samples in one operation to map them intelligently into layers or splits. With straightforward sample-naming conventions, hundreds of samples can be precisely mapped in seconds with a single drag and drop operation.
• Multiple outputs – Submix to 17 stereo output pairs.
• Unlimited polyphony – Includes ultra-low software latency.

MachFive 3 supports Mac OS X (10.5 or later). It operates stand-alone or as a plug-in (AU, VST and RTAS). 64-bit operation is available for supporting systems and hosts.

MachFive 3 is now shipping. Price remains the same at $495. Registered version 1 and 2 users can upgrade to version 3 for $179. A competitive upgrade is also available, with proof of ownership, for $295.

http://www.motu.com/products/software/machfive

Twisted Tools has released a brand new mutli-effects unit for Native Instruments’ Reaktor 5. Rolodecks is a realtime dynamic, semi-modular multi-effect, made up of six effects. The default Rolodecks effects are the Slicer, Flange, Filter, Delay, Reverb and Ext effects.

Ext (short for external effect), is an assignable effects slot, giving you the ability to insert your own effects and automate them. With the Ext effect slot, you can truly make Rolodecks unique by adding your own flavor. The Ext slot comes with a Stretch inserted from the Twisted Tools effect, Buffeater, but feel free to swap it out for your own.

Additionally, when you purchase Rolodecks Pro, you also get a special version of Rolodecks, called RoloEXT, which gives you six external effects slots and extra modulation options built using the same framework as Rolodecks. Setting up your own unique effects takes no time at all and the possibilities are endless. If you can connect the ins and outs of a simple home stereo, you can easily setup RoloEXT with your favorite Reaktor effects and more.

Rolodecks Features:

• Slicer, Reverb, Delay, Filter, Flange and EXT effect
• Connect your favorite Reaktor, Hardware or Software effects to the EXT effect slot
• Rolodecks Pro comes with RoloEXT, featuring 6 EXT effects slots
• Dub style fx sends using your host effects with RoloEXT
• Effects are playable via MIDI or freely running
• Drag effects to set signal flow
• 8 Scenes that store/recall signal flow, automation and parameter settings
• Ext Modulation lanes send MIDI Notes, IC Sends and/or CC’s
• Advanced internal modulation system
• Modulation speed and length per parameter
• Envelope Mode for the modulation lanes
• Kore, Maschine and Twisted KP Templates
• Time-stretching sample playback system
• 300+ mb Sample Library
• Sound Design by: Antonio Blanca, Derek Mahone, Gil Sharone, Glitchmachines, Jedsound, Lawgiverz, Mike Huckaby, Michael Ndah, Reuel Walker, Si Begg
• Extensive Documentation and Demo Video by Dubspot Instructor Matt Cellitti
• Free Version Updates

On the Mac, Rolodecks requires Native Instruments Reaktor 5, which currently requires OS X 10.5 or 10.6 (latest update, 32/64 Bit), an Intel Core Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, and a compatible AU, VST or RTAS (Pro Tools 8 and higher) host. Reaktor can also run as a stand-alone application.

Rolodecks is available now as a direct download from Twisted Tools for $49. Rolodecks Pro (Rolodecks + RoloEXT) is $69.00.

http://twistedtools.com/shop/reaktor/rolodecks/

For more than three decades, the two-channel Ampex ATR-102 Tape Recorder has turned music recordings into records. The perfect complement to the workhorse StuderA800 Multichannel Tape Recorder Plug-In, the officially sanctioned ATR-102 plug-in provides the final, cohesive analog polish and punch for any in-the-box mastering session, without the ongoing maintenance and calibration of a physical tape machine.

Impeccably developed over a nine-month period in the renowned UAD engineering tradition — and incorporating presets from noted ATR-102 users Chuck Ainlay, Richard Dodd, Buddy Miller, and Mike Poole — the ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In faithfully replicates the unique dynamics, frequency response, and saturation characteristics of the original hardware. Scrutinized and fully authenticated by Ampex Corporation, the sound of the ATR-102 plug-in for UAD-2 is virtually indistinguishable from its analog cousin.

“With the Ampex ATR-102, we’ve taken the time to provide all the popular tape formulas and hands-on calibration options of the original hardware,” said Matt Ward, President of Universal Audio. “With a mastering tape deck as iconic as the ATR-102, we wanted to make sure that its sound remained fully intact in the virtual world.”

“To bring the complexity of a such an iconic tape recorder as the ATR-102 to the digital world is no small feat,” said Gordon Strickland, Chairman and CEO of Ampex Corporation. “Universal Audio is the only company we could trust to faithfully and accurately model our Ampex legacy products, as they too have a legacy that spans back half a century with their analog products.”

ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In features include:

• Ampex-authenticated plug-in emulation of the ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder — the most popular professional 2-track machine ever made
• Provides rich, cohesive tape sound, without the hassles of calibration, maintenance, tape degradation, etc.
• Adjustable (L/R) Tape Delay, Wow, Flutter, and Crosstalk
• Requires a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator Card available from authorized dealers worldwide
• Models entire ATR-102 electronic path, including transformers, amplifiers, Input, Record and Repro paths
• Featuring multiple Tape Formulas and Calibration Levels for mix down
• Independent L/R Input Gain (Record) and Output (Reproduce) Level
• IPS Speed/Emphasis Curve chooses between 3.75 NAB, 7.5 NAB, 7.5 CCIR, 15 NAB, 15 CCIR, 30 AES
• Independent L/R record Bias, Record EQ, and Playback EQs, with Auto and Manual Cal capabilities

The Ampex ATR-102 Tape Recorder Plug-In is available as part of the new UAD Software v6.0 release. In addition to the Ampex ATR-102 plug-in, v6.0 includes the release of the Brainworx bx_digital V2 EQ and SPL Vitalizer MK2-T direct developer plug-ins, as well as highly anticipated Pro Tools compatibility enhancements and Mac OS X Lion support.

Available for purchase via UA’s Online Store, the Ampex ATR-102 Tape Recorder Plug-In sells for $349.00.

http://www.uaudio.com/store/special-processing/ampex-atr-102.html

The Brainworx bx_digital V2 EQ is an award-winning mastering EQ, named as the “Gear of the Decade” by Future Music magazine. The bx_digital V2 EQ offers three modes — M/S Mastering, M/S Recording, and L/R Stereo — with a unique “SixPack” Master Section, 11-band EQ with Shifter EQs to 22 kHz, and built-in M/S De-Esser, Dynamic EQ, and extensive metering options. An included bx_digital V2 Mono plug-in provides the same Mastering EQ-quality sound for mixing applications. For many engineers, this incredibly smooth-sounding processor is simply the ultimate software equalizer.

The SPL Vitalizer MK2-T is an authentic emulation of the popular tube-based Vitalizer hardware unit, a longtime staple of top mixing and post-production engineers. Offering a patented technology for greater perceived loudness and clarity without unnatural artifacts, the Vitalizer provides independent Bass and Mid-Hi processing that works in both the time and frequency domains to effectively unmask overlapping sounds. As both a fixative and an enhancement tool, the Vitalizer MK2-T is a mixing must-have.

These new UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins are noteworthy both in their unique sonic capabilities, as well as their being developed in their entirety for the UAD-2 platform by the software engineers at SPL and Brainworx — two of the audio industry’s most respected brands — as part of a new UAD-2 SDK (software development kit).

“With the opening of the UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins platform to select Direct Developers, we wanted to start with partners that would deliver exceptional results. That meant turning to our friends at SPL and Brainworx,” commented Matt Ward, president of Universal Audio. “The SPL Vitalizer and the Brainworx bx_digital V2 have already proven themselves as standout mixing tools on Mac and PC. Now they are available to UAD-2 DSP Accelerator owners, offering a way to offload processing power for running more tracks and virtual instruments on the host computer.”

“We’re extremely pleased to see the new UAD software version being released and featuring our first SPL & BX plug-ins for the UAD-2 community,” says Dirk Ulrich, CEO of Brainworx and head of SPL Software. “We spent many months developing the SDK with UA, and it´s been a lot of work and a lot of fun at the same time. Now it´s time for UAD-2 users to rock the new SPL & BX tools UA is offering them with this new release. Enjoy!”

The Brainworx bx_digital V2 EQ and SPL Vitalizer MK2-T plug-ins are now available as part of the new UAD Software v6.0 release, which includes the new Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder Plug-In, as well as significant improvements to Pro Tools and support for Mac OS X Lion.

Available for purchase via UA’s Online Store, the Brainworx bx_digital V2 EQ sells for $329.00, and the SPL Vitalizer MK2-T sells for $249.00.

http://www.uaudio.com/store/equalizers/brainworx-bx-digital.html

http://www.uaudio.com/spl-vitalizer-mk2-t.html

Native Instruments has released two new products that expand its recently established range of GUITAR RIG-based studio effects. The new SOLID MIX SERIES emulates the distinctive EQ and dynamics sections of one of the most revered mixing consoles of all time, while TRANSIENT MASTER recreates a popular hardware processor that provides highly efficient transient processing.

Based on sophisticated component modeling, the SOLID MIX SERIES recreates the essential components of a classic mixing desk whose sonic signature has shaped popular music. The series consists of three individual modules that provide the tools to create a polished and professional-sounding mix. “Solid EQ” emulates the legendary equalizer section of the console with its 4 parametric bands as well as the adjustable low-cut and high-cut filters, which allows for especially musical and transparent sound shaping of all signal types. Switchable EQ types also offer the selection between two distinctive generations of the original hardware with their specific sound characteristics.

“Solid Bus Comp” is an authentic emulation of the sought-after bus compressor, renowned for the way that it “glues” mixes together and singlehandedly creates a “finished” studio production sound. Taking advantage of the new features of the GUITAR RIG 5 generation, it also provides a sidechain input as well as a dry/wet control for parallel compression. As the third component, “Solid Dynamics” provides a combined dynamics section with stereo compressor, expander and gate that lends itself to the precise dynamics processing of individual tracks.

TRANSIENT MASTER is inspired by a highly popular modern studio processor, and provides a unique and especially efficient method to treat drums and percussive instrument sounds by directly reshaping the envelope of the signal. Through the “Attack” and “Sustain” parameters of the software, TRANSIENT MASTER can both add natural punch and definition, or blend individual instruments further back into the mix, without any of the sonic artifacts associated with regular compression methods.

Both products can used be used with the free GUITAR RIG PLAYER software, or expand the arsenal of the upcoming new GUITAR RIG 5. On the Mac, GUITAR RIG PLAYER requires OS X 10.6 (latest update), an Intel Core Duo processor and 2 GB of RAM. It can run stand-alone or as an AU, VST or RTAS plug-in.

The SOLID MIX SERIES is available for $229 / €199, with the individual components available for $119 / €99 each. TRANSIENT MASTER is $119 / €99. Both products are also included in the new KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE, with TRANSIENT MASTER also being included in the new KOMPLETE 8.

www.native-instruments.com/solidmixseries

www.native-instruments.com/transientmaster

Redwirez has announced the release of mixIR2, a high performance, zero latency convolution plug-in. mixIR2 allows you to mix multiple IRs with minimal fuss and no loss of performance as you stack IRs. Mix mics, cabinets, reverb, EQ curves, and more with ease at levels of performance unrivaled by any other convolution plug-in.

With mixIR2, you won’t have to wrestle with busses, sends and the overhead of running multiple plug-ins just to capture your typical two mic recording setup. Throw in a room mic or two, some reverb, a dash of EQ, or reproduce a tube amp’s interaction with your cabinet of choice, all with IRs and all with no performance penalty and no complicated routing strategies in your audio workstation.

You can mix IRs in parallel which is useful when mixing multiple mic positions. You can pan IRs left or right in the stereo field. You can run an IR in serial, which is great for EQ or adding room reverb when used in conjunction with the ability to set a wet/dry mix ratio for each IR. If it sounds powerful, that’s because it is. If it sounds a little confusing, it’s not. Load a preset and start twiddling some knobs, you’ll get the hang of it, “tout de suite”.

Features at a Glance

• Efficient, no-nonsense, drag-and-drop IR browser
• Zero latency, so it adds no delay to the signal
• Run one IR or 30 with the same unmatched performance
• FAST — Lets you run more plug-ins
• Powerful internal routing allows you to mix IRs without messing with busses and sends
• Mix IRs in stereo with pan controls
• Upload, download, share and rate presets on redwirez.com
• 32/64-bit Mac VST and AU, 32-bit Windows VST (RTAS and Win64 support on the way)
• Simple authorization process. We like to keep our dongles to ourselves, thank you
• Neve 1073 EQ impulse responses included

According to Redwirez, mixIR2 outperforms every other plug-in tested by at least 20% (less CPU utilization) when running a single IR. When it comes to mixing multiple IRs, no other plug-in comes close because, run 1 IR or 30, it doesn’t matter. You get the same stellar performance with zero latency. Zero latency means mixIR2 doesn’t add delay to the signal.

On the Mac, mixIR2 requires OS X 10.5 or later in 32-bit mode. On OS X 10.6 or later, the AU and VST plug-in will also run in 64-bit mode.

mixIR2 is available now for free when you buy the Redwirez BIGBox IR bundle, which is currently available as a direct download from Redwirez for $125.

www.redwirez.com

The Sound Guy, Inc. has announced the release of Spectral Machine, a frequency-domain plug-in featuring a wide range of unique spectral effects, including Spectral Freeze, Delay Spectral Bands, 3-band Amplitude Modulation, Harmonize and Pitch Quantization.

Unlike time-domain plug-ins such as SFX Machine, Spectral Machine starts by converting the audio into the frequency domain using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). This allows direct access to the signal’s frequency spectrum, enabling a number of effects that simply would not be possible in the time domain, including:

• Delay Spectral Bands — Apply separate delays to different spectral bands, with individual control over the amount of feedback in each band!
• Spectral Freeze — Click the “Fire” button to freeze the sound, which then decays at different rates for high and low frequencies. Click the “Reset” button to unfreeze.
• Sample & Hold — Similar to Spectral Freeze, but it automatically retriggers at a specified interval.
• 3 AM — A tremolo effect with individual control over the modulation rate and depth in three frequency bands.
• 3-Band Filter — Precise control over the gain in three user-selected frequency bands.
• Spectral Peak/Notch — Lets you boost or attenuate an arbitrarily narrow frequency band around a specified frequency.
• Oscillating Peak/Notch — Interesting peak/notch effect with an oscillating center frequency.
• Pitch Shift — Frequency-domain transposition with timbre preservation.
• Harmonize — Multiple transposition with timbre preservation
• Pitch Quantizer — Nudge each note to the nearest semitone, for pitch correction or to create an interesting vocal effect.
• Pitch Isolate — Isolates the tonal portion from the rest of the sound.
• Sine / Noise — Gives you independent control over the sinusoidal and noise/transient portions of the sound.
• Spectral Shapeshifter — Lets you change the shape of vocal formants (spectral envelope) without affecting the pitch.
• Vibrato — Frequency-modulates only the sinusoidal component.
• Robotization — Changes the pitch to a fixed frequency for a robotic effect.

However, like SFX Machine, Spectral Machine wraps a great deal of power and flexibility inside an easy-to-use interface.

On the Mac, Spectral Machine requires OS X 10.4 or later, a PowerPC or Intel processor, 100 MB of available RAM, 100 MB of hard drive space and a compatible VST or Audio Unit host program. VST to RTAS adapters are not supported.

Spectral Machine is available via direct download from The Sound Guy for $75. A free demo is also available.

www.sfxmachine.com/spectralmachine/